PSY 200/SOC 200: Social Psychology//Social final

Social Psychology Questions

Ana Castro Social Psychology September 3, 2026

1) In your own words explain social psychology

Social psychology is the study of how people are affected by the social situations around them. In my own words, it looks at how other people can influence what we think, feel, and do, and how we can also influence them. The section explains that social influence is the process through which people change each other’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). I think this means that our behavior is not always based only on who we are as individuals. One idea from the section that helped me understand this is the person-situation interaction. Kurt Lewin explained that behavior depends on both the characteristics of the person and the social situation (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). The section also explains that the social situation can sometimes be a stronger influence on behavior than personality (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). This shows why it is important to look at what is happening around a person instead of only judging the person. Social psychology also studies many parts of social behavior, including attitudes, group behavior, culture, prejudice, helping, and aggression (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). Researchers use a scientific approach and collect observable information instead of only relying on opinions or common sense (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). Overall, I understand social psychology as a way to study how people and their social situations affect behavior.

2) Why/how can social psychology be useful to you in your career?

Social psychology can be useful to me in my career because it can help me understand my interactions with other people. The section explains that thinking about our own interpersonal interactions from a social psychology point of view can help us better understand and respond to them (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). I think this is important because in a career where I work with other people, I will have to pay attention to how people respond to different situations. Another reason it can be useful is because social psychology teaches that behavior depends on both the person and the social situation (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). This can remind me not to look at someone’s behavior and assume that their personality is the only reason for it. The situation around them may also be important. The section gives examples of how people can be influenced by parents, teachers, leaders, authorities, and friends, even when those people are not physically present (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). The section also explains that people receive social support from people around them, including family, friends, classmates, and coworkers (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). This shows me how important other people can be in our lives. Learning about social psychology can help me think more carefully about social situations and how they affect behavior. I believe this can help me understand people better and respond to them in a more thoughtful way.

3) What is something you have experienced that would be appropriate to research from a social psychology perspective? How would you do that?

One experience that I think would be appropriate to research from a social psychology perspective is working on a class project with other people. I have noticed that people can act differently when they are working as part of a group. For example, one person may speak more and take the lead, while another person may be quieter. I think the social situation of being in a group could affect how people participate. This connects to social psychology because the section explains that people’s behavior can be influenced by their social situation (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). I would begin with a question such as, “Does being in a group affect how much people participate?” I could use observational research by watching people during a group activity and recording their behavior objectively. The section explains that observational research involves making observations of behavior and recording them in an objective way (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). Another option would be correlational research. I could look at whether two things, such as group size and participation, are related. The section explains that correlational research is used to study relationships between variables, but it cannot be used to say that one variable caused another (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022). If I wanted to study cause and effect, I could use an experiment. In an experiment, a situation is changed for different groups, and the effect is measured (Jhangiani & Tarry, 2022).

AI Use Explanation

For this assignment, I used AI for editing and revision assistance, including grammar, sentence structure, organization, and formatting. I understand now that this use of AI needed to be disclosed. I apologize for not including the disclosure with my original submission. I appreciate being given the opportunity to resubmit the assignment with the appropriate AI-use disclosure. Going forward, I will make sure to disclose any permitted AI assistance.